Overview
Take a trip to Jeju Island on your South Korea Vacation
On Korean vacations, Jeju Island is situated on South Korea’s largest island, located in the country’s south end.
Jeju Island lies in the Korea Strait and was once a part of Jeollanam-do Province before it became the separate, self-governing Jeju Province in 1946, with the city of Jeju as its capital.
Measuring approximately 73 kilometres (45 miles) across, east to west, and 41 kilometres (25 miles) from north to south, Jeju Island was created entirely from volcanic eruptions approximately 2 million years ago. Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of three found on Jeju Island.
At 1,950 metres (6,400 ft.), Mount Halla is Jeju Island's most distinctive landmark, and South Korea's highest peak. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Halla is surrounded by Hallasan National Park, which features various hiking trails on South Korean tours.
To local traditional culture and in contrast to mainland South Korea, Jeju Island is considered quite matriarchal and produced generations of female divers who can be seen searching for shellfish and other seafood.
Dol Hareubang, or Grandfather Statues, are dwarf-like statues that are found throughout the island, as they were once considered powerful fertility gods.
A place of myths and legends, Jeju Island is rich in caves, one of which, according to legend, sprang three god-men, Ko, Pu, and Yang, who founded the island’s first settlement and made it flourish.
Featuring beaches, gardens, museums, and folk villages, Jeju Island is a charming destination to visit on South Korean vacations.
To local traditional culture and in contrast to mainland South Korea, Jeju Island is considered quite matriarchal and produced generations of female divers who can be seen searching for shellfish and other seafood.
Dol Hareubang, or Grandfather Statues, are dwarf-like statues that are found throughout the island, as they were once considered powerful fertility gods.
A place of myths and legends, Jeju Island is rich in caves, one of which, according to legend, sprang three god-men, Ko, Pu, and Yang, who founded the island’s first settlement and made it flourish.
Featuring beaches, gardens, museums, and folk villages, Jeju Island is a charming destination to visit on South Korean vacations.
At a Glance
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South Korean Won (KRW)What do the experts say?
Try to stay at a traditional hanok accommodation (similar to a ryokan) with hanok dinner, which involves enjoying Korean cuisine, aka jeongsik (course meals) with banchan (side dishes). It's a rustic, traditional experience that all globetrotters will love.
Umbrellas are common; you can pick them up everywhere as well, but you'll find on sunny days as well as rainy ones that locals are using umbrellas and without one, you'll get a poke in the head now and again as you're walking on busy sidewalks.
Avoid July/August, as they are the rainiest months, with heavy flooding even in the cities, and temple walks become difficult. I also recommend avoiding Chuseok in September, a six-day holiday where everything is closed.
Visit during Spring to see the Cherry Blossoms! A great alternative to Japan's Cherry Blossoms.
Gwaneumsa buddhist Temple is a popular inclusio...
Chunjeyun Waterfall
Sanbanggulsa buddhist temple
Yakcheonsa Buddhist Temple
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